Food for thought: the role of land-grant institutions in local food and small farm education

In 1862, the Morrill Act established land-grant institutions with the mission to serve those working in agriculture and mechanic arts. The following dissertation explores the ways in which the evolution of industrialized agriculture has influenced the mission of these institutions. This qualitative research combines case study methods and evaluation to analyze the relationships between local farmers and universities. Through studying Extension programs, this dissertation also explores the role of land-grant institutions in providing small farm and local food education to the community. Educational programs focused on small farms and local foods that have been created outside university settings are also studied. The dissertation is divided into three sections: 1.) programs outside universities 2.) University of Illinois programs 3.) programs at other Midwest land-grant institutions. The first section analyzes study circles that were formed by local farmers in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as well as the perspectives of those who have worked with the University of Illinois. A case study of educational tours at a local farm in Champaign, Illinois, which includes survey results from participants, is also analyzed in this section. An additional case study of two schools in Bloomington, Illinois that have started school gardens examines the benefits and challenges involved in local food education for children. The second section focuses on local food purchasing and educational initiatives at the University of Illinois, including an analysis of a Local Foods Workshop. This section also includes perspectives from professors and Extension educators who have worked with local farmers. The final section analyzes local food and sustainable agriculture programs at five other Midwest land-grant institutions. The dissertation concludes by providing recommendations for ways in which universities may establish more meaningful relationships with their communities through investing in programs that provide resources and outreach to local farmers